Sample pages from Bret M. Herholz's proposed DARK SHADOWS comic series

Last summer, artist Bret M. Herholz posted several DARK SHADOWS comicbook pages he created as a proposal for a new series for Dynamite. I think this is the most fascinating comicbook interpretation of the series I've seen outside of the work of George Caltsoudas. Obviously, Dynamite decided to go in a more conventional direction with its DARK SHADOWS comic, but I hold out hope that they'll try something a little more daring (and interesting) before their license on the property lapses. This is the closest thing we'll ever get to an Edward Gorey comic.

Here's what Herholz had to say about the work:

"Dynamite has a really great roster of titles and the cult classic gothic soap Dark Shadows is one of them. Although I am aware Dynamite's portrayal of Barnabas Collins is his much later incarnation which he is cured of his vampirism I'm just more fascinated by the dynamics of his earlier Dracula/Renfield redux relationship between himself and Willie Loomis. And being a fan of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, I decided to render the pages in sepia tones."

You can see more sample pages at his blog.

First look at Dark Shadows #10

Dark Shadows #10 has been solicited from Dynamite, with an incredibly optimistic publication date of "July 2012" listed at the company's website. You need an I Ching to make sense of comicbook publication dates, so interpret that July date as meaning "It will come out when it comes out."
Here's an issue summary.

Barnabas Collins and his family are still reeling from their encounter with The Children and their sire. The brutal war has left those closest to Barnabas questioning his very nature. However, with a possible cure in his hands, will this 175 year old vampire finally be free of his vampiric curse? Or will remaining a vampire show once and for all that you don't need to be human to prove you have a noble soul?